Thalassemia Centre gets revamped recreation area

Dubai, October 1, 2009

The Thalassemia Centre, the only facility in the UAE dedicated to Thalassemia treatment, has received a fully renovated recreation area, with support from DP World, UAE Region and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

The recently-inaugurated upgrade considerably enhances the Centre’s ability to serve around 450 Thalassemia patients who visit monthly for blood transfusions.

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder, notably prevalent in the UAE. The new revamped facility, designed and donated by DP World, UAE Region, is in line with the organisation’s commitment toward the awareness and prevention of Thalassemia.

The new recreational area offers transfusion chairs with individual multimedia screens, gaming consoles, computers, library, children’s play area, as well as dedicated waiting area and refreshments bar, all of which add significantly to the comfort of both patients and their families visiting the centre, located within the Al Wasl Hospital complex.

“The new facilities have been designed specifically to cater to the needs of the patients, while providing a more comfortable and productive environment for the patients, their relatives and caregivers,” said Mohammed Al Muallem, senior vice president and managing director, DP World, UAE Region.

Thalassemia causes the degeneration of red blood cells, requiring those affected to undergo regular, life-long blood transfusions. As most carriers are unaware of their status, the centre organises drives to promote premarital Thalassemia testing within the community. The test is simple and quick, and allows carriers to make decisions that help reduce transmission to future generations.-TradeArabia News Service